If I do not accept a referral, will I definitely have to go to youth court?

No. There are still ways that you could stay out of court. A Crown Prosecutor, a lawyer who works for the government and takes criminal cases to court on behalf of the state, will review your file. The Crown Prosecutor also has discretion to use extrajudicial measures and may decide that you should not go to court. He or she will send you a letter warning you that you must change your behaviour and stay out of trouble. You may also receive an extrajudicial sanction instead of a charge being laid against you that requires you to go to court.

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January 2004

More Youth Criminal Justice Act FAQs:

• Introduction
• Arrest / Police
• Extrajudicial Measures
• Extrajudicial Sanctions
• Youth Court

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